To make a real impact, solid collaboration with like-minded partners is needed. But how do you set up a truly flourishing partnership? How can entrepreneurs and investors work together to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and make impact on the ground?

Others have done it before. How did they do it?

Two successful impact enterprises will be unpacked. In both cases, the spirit of the entrepreneurs, financial possibilities provided by their investors and their partner network strengthened each other to build successful collaboration.

All stories focus on various Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) challenges. In addition to 'unpacking' of the business case, we will explore best practices in creating (new) strategic partnerships of entrepreneurs, investors and institutions that really make a difference.

Yasmina Zaidman, Chief Partnership Officer, Acumen will reiterate the importance of building strong partnerships. Her story will give you an unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the first & largest impact investors, founded in 2002. How do they engage in the SDG agenda and integrate the SDGs in their investments? What does Acumen do to build the ecosystem further through collaboration?

In a parallel track, we present the “Tech for Social Good” design session. Exponential technologies such as AI, robotics, internet of things, and 3d printing have made the leap from science fiction of the 80s and 90s to reality of today. From self-driving cars to human organ printing, the future is not just here but also consumerized. The impact of these technologies is all pervasive: no industry will remain untouched. But how can they be harnessed for building equitable and inclusive societies? Our Learning Lab and Open House will explore how to do this, with examples and case studies of pioneers who are already using exponential technologies for good. We will identify new use cases how emerging technologies can increase speed, deep insights, customization, and democratization and ultimately lead to system transformations in emerging and developing countries.

We are pleased to be joined by new economy activist Severn Cullis-Suzuki on her way to the Nordic Business Forum, to share a perspective on other types of ‘capital’ critical to making positive impact. Severn is known as having addressed the UN Earth Summit at 12 years old, and then again 20 years later at Rio +20, and as a thought leader and member of the Earth Charter International Council brings valuable input to what we need to take into account in pursuit of the SDGs.

A striking 400 million Indians lack clean, safe and sustainable energy. It may be a bit too ambitious to say that Rural Spark will change it all. Yet, its name has been chosen wisely, as with their smart grid solutions Rural Spark literally energizes the Indian countryside. By renting equipment and joining a platform, villagers become local energy suppliers and earn money by selling energy to their fellow villagers. So basically it’s power to the people.

2. FRANK about tea
Get a cup of tea. Sit down. And let’s talk about your cup of tea. How much do you know about it? Here’s a fun fact: it’s the world’s second most consumed beverage, after water. But do you know how it ended up from tea farm all the way into that cup of yours? No? Well it’s a bit complicated and even a bit nasty. However FRANK about tea is changing just that by producing delicious tea based on a straightforward supply chain. Because in the end, it’s also YOUR cup of tea.